Trouba, Matteau named to USA U18 club

Defenseman Jacob Trouba and forward Stefan Matteau, both eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, highlight Team USA’s entry for the World Under-18 Championship in Brno and Znojmo from April 12-22, 2012.

Trouba, considered a top-10 pick for 2012, also represented the Americans at the 2012 World Junior Championship. He will be joined on the blueline by Brady Skjei, who is also pushing to be considered as a first round pick. Seth Jones, considered by many to be the top defenseman eligible in 2013, will also be at the event. Jones almost made the World Junior entry, but suffered an injury in selection camp that left him unavailable to compete.

Matteau is also considered a first round pick, and will be flanked up front by fellow first round candidate Nicolas Kerdiles.